The #BlackLivesMatter movement advocating to end racial discrimination against the people of colour in the U.S. was supported by many Bollywood celebs. However, there were also some of them like actors Kangana Ranaut and Abhay Deol who slammed the “woke Indian celebrities” for speaking up for the international cause, while staying mum on the issues that India is currently faced with.
And after calling out Indian celebrities for selective advocacy, ‘Dev D’ actor Abhay Deol has asked if the Indian celebrities demanding an end to discrimination against the people of colour will stop endorsing fairness creams now, reports Hindustan Times.
The actor also shared search trends and overall analysis of how fairness creams have evolved in India. He wrote, “From being fairness creams to now using euphemisms like “skin brightening/ whitening”, or “lightening creams”.”
“Most brands no longer want to be associated directly with being termed as ‘fairness creams’. So now we have brands selling “HD glow”, “White beauty”, “white glow”, “fine fairness”, and so on.”
He also highlighted how companies have started targeting men to sell their fairness products.
Here’s his original post:
He had also appreciated designer Masaba Gupta, actor Kubbra Sait, content creators Lilly Singh among others who were recently part of a creative campaign with a brand that announced that it will no longer retouch skin in its advertising, reports Republic World.
Responding to which, ‘Sacred Games’ actor Kubbra Sait wrote:
Soon after, a journalist asked if anyone can name Bollywood/Pakistani stars who have never endorsed a skin lightening product. Responding to this, celebrities like Mahira Khan and Banita Sandhu said:
Been refusing ever since I was a VJ till now. Never endorsed a skin lightening product. https://t.co/uGB1vPyaGX
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) June 5, 2020
When I first signed to an agency in India, they asked if there was anything I was against endorsing, such as alcohol or tobacco. I told them, skin lightening products; since then, they've never sent any such endorsement offer my way. https://t.co/407JDXON0P
— Banita Sandhu (@BanitaSandhu) June 5, 2020
Kangana I think.
— Kubbra Sait (@KubbraSait) June 5, 2020
#KanganaRanaut pic.twitter.com/p22zQi8YYp
— Kaustav (@Kaustav72317452) June 5, 2020
Recently American comedian Hasan Minhaj also called out Bollywood’s hypocrisy on George Floyd’s death, while they still do skin whitening commercials.
It is no brainer that India is obsessed with having fair complexion and the promotion of such products by well-known figures only adds fuel to fire. About time that Indian celebrities voice their opinions on the issues that have been plaguing Indian society for years.